Blanton's Straight From The Barrel - Barrel 2164 vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Blanton's Straight From The Barrel - Barrel 2164MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryBlanton'sMacNair's
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonBlended Malt
ABV61.3%48%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£149.95£125
Rating5.00/5

Blanton's Straight From The Barrel - Barrel 2164

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value40/100

Blanton's Straight From The Barrel - Barrel 2164

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £150.

For beginners: Blanton's Straight From The Barrel - Barrel 2164 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Blanton's Straight From The Barrel - Barrel 2164

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (61.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£149.95 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£125 vs £149.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Blanton's?

Blanton's Straight From The Barrel - Barrel 2164 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy MacNair's?

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Blanton's Straight From The Barrel - Barrel 2164

VanillaToastedNew WoodHoney

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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